What Certifications Do You Really Need to Work Worldwide as a Drilling Engineer? (Full Guide)

Today we’re diving into one of the most common questions I get:

“What certifications do I need to work internationally as a drilling engineer or drilling supervisor?”

The oil & gas industry is extremely global, and drilling operations are one of the most demanding, high-responsibility fields in it. Whether you're targeting the U.S. shale industry, offshore North Sea, Middle East mega-projects, or Australian LNG, employers expect engineers who are trained, qualified, and ready to work anywhere in the world.

Let’s break down exactly what you need.

This is the foundation. If you want to work in drilling, you must have a valid well control certificate.

IWCF - International Well Control Forum

• Based in the UK

• Recognized worldwide

• The gold standard in many regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and offshore environments

If you're a drilling engineer or drilling supervisor, you need Level 4 - the supervisory level. This certification confirms that you understand kick detection, well control procedures, well kill operations, and high-risk decision-making.

IADC WellSharp - International Association of Drilling Contractors

• Based in the U.S.

• Equally respected internationally

• More common in North America and with U.S.-based operators and contractors IADC

Which one should you take?

Either one is totally fine. Having both gives you a slight edge, especially if you want to work globally - for example, in both U.S. operations and international offshore projects.

Bottom line:

If you want to be taken seriously in drilling operations, IWCF or IADC is mandatory.

A bachelor’s degree in petroleum, drilling, or mechanical engineering is the baseline today. But more engineers are choosing to upgrade to a master’s degree specific to drilling or well engineering — especially if they want to move into:

• lead drilling roles

• drilling superintendent roles

• well engineering leadership

• high-end offshore / deepwater projects

• technical authority & discipline engineering tracks

Today, good news — you can even do it online while keeping your job.

Two good examples:

🎓 MSc in Drilling Engineering - UTP (Malaysia, Online / ODL)

A rare Master’s program specifically focused on drilling engineering.

• 100% distance learning

• Strong practical modules

• Covers casing design, drilling fluids, well integrity, geomechanics

• Fits working professionals

Great if you want deep drilling specialization without relocating.

🎓 MSc Drilling & Well Engineering - Robert Gordon University (UK, Online)

One of the most well-known drilling master’s programs in Europe.

• Flexible online format

• Trusted by North Sea operators

• Strong design & well engineering foundation

This fully accredited degree is ideal if you want a UK-recognized qualification that boosts your global credibility. Both universities offer accredited programs that meet international engineering standards and make you more qualified for senior technical roles.

A master’s is not mandatory — but if you want to stand out in the global market and fast-track senior roles, it helps tremendously. Watch the video below.

A modern drilling engineer must be fluent in drilling engineering software.

Companies expect you to know:

• Landmark / DecisionSpace

• WellPlan - hydraulics

• WellCat - casing & tubing stress

• Compass - directional drilling and wellpath planning

• WellSim / Well Engineering models

• OpenWells - well reporting & documentation

These tools are used daily in big operators and service companies.

If you know them, you're immediately more competitive.

Safety is non-negotiable in drilling. You must show that you understand risk, process safety, and hazard response.

Key foundational HSE certificates include:

• First Aid / CPR / AED

• H2S Training

• Fire safety training

• Working at heights (some regions)

Many of these can be taken as a short course, and the certificates must be issued by recognized international training centers.

If you plan to work offshore — Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Australia, Brazil, offshore Africa or Asia — you need offshore survival certifications:

BOSIET — Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training

Teaches emergency procedures, survival, evacuation, lifeboats, fire training.

HUET — Helicopter Underwater Escape Training

Yes, this is the one where you train escaping a helicopter underwater.

It's mandatory for offshore helicopter transport.

Why OPITO matters:

OPITO is the global standard in offshore safety training.

If your BOSIET/HUET is OPITO-approved, it will be recognized worldwide.

If you've attended training from major operators or service companies, highlight it — hiring managers value this tremendously.

Examples:

• SLB (Schlumberger) training schools

• Halliburton technical schools

• Baker Hughes training programs

• Weatherford & NOV technical training

• Shell / BP / Chevron / ADNOC technical courses

These programs are known for discipline, strong fundamentals, and hands-on learning — essential for real-world resource management and field safety.

If you're planning a long-term engineering career, especially in the U.S., Canada, UK, or Australia, aim for a professional engineering license.

This unlocks:

• senior engineering roles

• engineering authority positions

• better salaries

• leadership and sign-off responsibilities

Examples:

• PE (Professional Engineer — USA)

• PEng (Canada)

• Chartered Engineer — CEng (UK / Commonwealth)

• CPEng (Australia)

• IntPE (International Professional Engineer)

These credentials show you're not just a technical doer — you're a certified engineering professional trusted to make critical decisions.

In international engineering, certifications open doors, but your attitude and communication keep them open.

Global employers look for:

• Strong technical English

• Safety mindset and hazard awareness

• Ability to work with multicultural teams

• Report writing, RCA, MOC, risk assessments

• Leadership and decision-making under pressure

• Initiative and willingness to take responsibility

These are the traits of trusted drilling engineers and supervisors.

To succeed globally as a drilling engineer, you don’t need luck — you need preparation.

Your core roadmap looks like this:

✔ IWCF Level 4 or IADC Supervisor

✔ Offshore — OPITO BOSIET + HUET

✔ Knowledge of Landmark, WellPlan, Compass, WellCat

✔ Optional but powerful — MSc in Drilling or Well Engineering (this course provides global recognition)

✔ Professional license path (PE / PEng / CEng)

✔ Strong English & communication

✔ Continuous learning & safety mindset

Follow this path, and you’ll be able to work anywhere — from the U.S. to Europe, from the Middle East to offshore Asia, Africa, or Australia.

Engineering rewards those who invest in themselves.

Be one of them.